Prefer solid wood materials over composite. Opt for a plywood over other composite wood where possible. When using composite wood, specify materials that are NAF (No Added Formaldehyde) or ULEF (Ultra Low Emitting Formaldehyde) whenever possible. Prefer products that are factory-finished. Prefer solid wood veneer facings over laminate or thermofoil. Prefer products with full disclosure of content through Health Product Declarations (HPDs).
Proposed procurement goals:
- 80% of cabinets purchased by the municipality or used by contractors meet the HomeFree Green or Yellow level including formaldehyde emission limits of CARB Phase 2 and/or TSCA Title VI; other composite wood products not covered by CARB/TSCA requirements, but used in interior spaces, meet no added urea formaldehyde limits, and certified ultra-low emitting formaldehyde (ULEF) or no added formaldehyde (NAF) for and composite woods
- Preference given to products with publicly available information to encourage the use of building products that are working to minimize their environmental and health impacts
- Material ingredients documentation demonstrating the chemical inventory of the product to at least 0.1% (1,000 ppm) with all content characterized and screened.
Case studies and resources:
- HomeFree cabinetry and millwork hazard and rating system
- HomeFree Spec Guidance
- Massachusetts' Multifamily New Construction Design Requirements and Guidelines requires “all medium-density fiberboard (MFD) used in cabinetry and countertops shall be formaldehyde-free.”